Make an Informed Decision

Over 18 million people choose to restore their vision and undergo cataract surgery every year.1 Cataract surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure that removes the clouded natural lens in your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Multifocal IOL vs. Monofocal IOL: What You Need to Know

When selecting a lens, there are two general types of lenses to choose from: multifocal or monofocal lenses. Both will treat your cataract and reestablish your vision, but there are a few key differences.

A multifocal IOL is designed to correct both cataracts and presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common age-related condition. Beginning around the age of 40, the natural lens inside the eye begins to harden and becomes less flexible. This reduces the eye?s ability to switch focus from near to far to in between and back again, resulting in vision loss and, in most cases, the need for reading glasses or bifocals.

A multifocal lens has several different focus regions that are designed to allow you to see clearly up close, far away and in between, and, in most cases, will eliminate your need for glasses. After surgery, you may experience an adjustment period during which you may see rings around lights at night. This is normal, and as the eye adjusts to the lens over time, the visual impression of these rings typically lessens or goes away.

In contrast, a monofocal lens has only one focus region. It allows you to see objects far away, but you will continue to need glasses for reading and other up-close activities.

Monofocal IOL vs. Multifocal IOL

Monofocal IOLs provide good distance vision, but you will continue to need reading glasses to see up close.

Multifocal IOLs are designed to provide you with improved near, intermediate and distance vision and reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses.

Talk to your doctor about all the benefits of a multifocal IOL and if theTECNIS® Multifocal IOL is the right choice for your lifestyle.

Click here for more information and disclaimers about the TECNIS® Multifocal IOL.